Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 13th October 2017

One of the hardest things about an overnight getaway or a business trip is knowing what to pack and what to leave behind. Unfortunately for most of us, that decision is often made by the ancient luggage we lug around with us everywhere. Without a doubt the first rule of any trip should be having the right bag, and it should be no surprise that there are some amazingly smart and stylish options out there. One of our favourites by far is the exceptional Garment Weekender bag from Hook & Albert.

Why We Love It 

The Garment Weekender bag does just what it says in the name, combining a garment bag to hold two of your favourite suits or shirts, while also doubling as a roomy and well put together weekender duffel bag for everything else. After your long journey you can finally have a suit without any creases ready to go. The bag also comes in pebbled leather and a twill fabric which is super light and very stylish - it's even TSA approved as carry on luggage.

The Essentials 

Now that you have the right luggage, it is time to take your first packing steps. We often find that people get overwhelmed trying to make sure they pack everything right away. One of our tips is to take a step back, and just think about the essentials. Not sure what those are? Well luckily we have just the list for you. 

The Gentleman's Wardrobe 

In thinking through what to wear on your overnight stay, we like to break the mold a little bit. We truly believe that the modern gentleman knows to leave the university T-shirts and flip flops at home. Instead make sure you have trousers and a jacket at the ready. You never know when an impromptu dinner party with an important client or close friend could arise, and we promise that no one has ever been shamed for overdressing. Dressing up a little is always a good thing to do no matter the destination or occasion, and hey, they may even bump you up into first class at the airport.

Casual Must Haves 

Just because it's time to relax, this doesn’t mean that you have to lose your style. A great pair of dark jeans are an easy item to dress up or down, and if you haven’t found a comfortable pair yet then you truly aren’t looking hard enough. We recommend pairing them with a super soft cotton black shirt and some stylish sneakers. Also, invest in a good nightwear, we promise you’ll thank us later. All of these items should fold flat as well, keeping your bag nice and light. 

A Lesson In Shoes 

Being one of the bulkier items, we find that one of the hardest things to know how to pack well are shoes. Bring too many and you’ll need a massage from a sore back, bring to few and you may be left wearing dress shoes and shorts, which isn’t a good look for anyone. We recommend bringing shoes that are super versatile. As mentioned above, you can never go wrong with a nice pair of white sneakers. The great thing about these is that you can dress them up or down with ease, and they are also super comfortable, clean and minimal.

The Kitchen Sink 

Let’s face it, most guys don’t know how to be well groomed without getting very messy or having far too many products. That’s why having a good leak-proof bag for your toiletries is a must. If you were smart and got the Garment Weekender mentioned above, then lucky for you each one has a matching dopp kit you can purchase with it. I think we can all agree it is time to stop it with the Ziplock bag. 

Forgettable Smalls 

The last few things on our list are all the small accessories that are easy to forget and will leave us grumpy and anxious. These items include all necessary charging cables, a good pair of sunglasses, a lint roller, pocket detergent, and your basic socks and underwear. Just make sure that anything you might want mid travel is easily accessible. Cables and sunglasses are always best kept in your bag's side pocket.

We take a look at the Hook & Albert Garment Weekender bag and discuss The Art Of Packing For An Overnight Getaway.